The Lexus IS 250C looks like a sports car but drives like a saloon, writes MICHAEL McALEER, motoring editor, and a limited engine range will likely restrict Irish sales
IN THE understated way of the motor industry, the origami-style folding metal roof was once billed as the greatest advance in car engineering since the wheel nut.
It was meant to herald the end of the conventional car roof; every motorist would soon be able to avail of the security of a solid metal top, with the opportunity to burn their bald patch at the flick of a switch.
It was the ultimate progression from the 1970s sunroof fad. Forget about moon landings – this was the climax of man’s engineering prowess.
Sadly, it has not been the panacea to our sun-deprived bodies that we were promised. Sales of so-called coupé convertibles have been rather lacklustre and the canvas roof still features on many forecourts.
The reality is that folding away the car’s roof doesn’t mean it disappears into the ether – it merely takes over the boot. It also requires a baffling array of motors and electronics that make the Airbus A380 seem like AirFix – and equates to carrying a rugby prop along on every journey. That, in turn, has an impact on emissions and fuel consumption that must provide at least some comfort to the boys and girls in Revenue in these straitened times.
The extra space required to store the metal also means that any hopes the designer had of penning a stylish coupé died the moment someone mentioned folding metal.
The end results are on our roads today: Ford Focuses, Renault Méganes and a clutch of other models that all carry the little “cc” lettering on their bulbous rumps. Volkswagen went one stage further and added a new name, the Eos, along with a sunroof to its model, but the complexity of its roof meant if something went wrong with the folding metal, the car had to be sent to one of four specialist centres in Ireland for repair.
Despite the complexity, however, most of these have stood the test of time and proven to be remarkably reliable.
Reliability is not something that’s going to bother potential IS 250C owners, in any event. After all, if there is one thing Lexus has managed to garner it’s a reputation for reliability.
There’s another upside to this Lexus that probably won’t make its way onto the publicity material. The simple fact is this will be a limited seller from the Lexus ranks, so the car will retain its head-turning appeal long after rivals lose theirs. Some would say that’s clutching at straws, but if so, it’s in keeping with the mood of the nation.
The IS 250C certainly has the looks. It’s one of the most sharply styled, hard-topped convertibles on the market at present, its only real rival being the little Mazda MX-5.
In fact, several inquisitive onlookers were pleasantly surprised at the price – not something that normally happens to a €60,000-plus car – and very few considered it a rival to the likes of the Audi A5 or the BMW 3 Series. People regard this as closer to a proper sports car than its bigger-selling rivals.
The added exclusivity and impressive looks will hold it in good stead. Great news for Lexus then, if partly down to the fact its model range is unlikely to be as big a seller as its German rivals. What was that about clouds and silver linings?
The IS 250C designers have done a great job, particularly given the restrictions they had to work with in terms of storing that folded metal. The rear doesn’t look like there’s a small trailer welded on, while the overall stance gives the car a really pronounced look, like it is, at any moment, liable to pounce.
The IS saloon is a lovely looking car and this addition adds real coupé sports appeal.
While the roof manages to whip up and down in 20 seconds – very important for our multi-climate Irish summer – a key feature for any convertible is the interior. After all, it’s the one form of car where everyone can see what it’s like inside.
Our test car was trimmed with white leather and, though that may sound garish, it is gorgeous. Little touches like the button-back arm rest in the rear seats set it off and Lexus really does vie with Audi for top prize when it comes to fit and finish in cabins these days.
The back seats are but an afterthought, but then that’s the way it is with most of these models.
So this car turns heads, which is exactly what a convertible is supposed to do. Unfortunately, the appeal for us wore off somewhat out on the open road. The main complaint we have about the IS 250C is that it’s a cruiser – not the sporty offering you might expect from its looks.
It might look like it’s about to leap forward but, faced with a stretch of empty tarmac, the car prefers to settle into a comfortable cruising speed. Even when you flick it over to Sport mode in the transmission and start flipping the paddles at the back of the wheel, lift off the throttle even slightly and the car settles back into cruise.
It’s a pity, because this is clearly a good 208bhp V6 petrol engine and we were left wishing for a manual gearbox that could really draw out its true potential. As it is, the automatic’s gear ratios seem too tuned to US highway cruising and comfort, rather than European preferences for coupé convertible performance.
This car was designed with California in mind, not the back roads of Connemara, even if the sun is shining out west. That said, the steering is nicely weighted and, as you pick up speed, responsiveness and feedback improve. Lexus has put a lot of work into handling and it has paid off. In terms of ride quality, the comfort ethos really rings true and there are no complaints on that count.
Clearly, the sales potential for this car is relatively limited, not only due to our weather but also due to its limited engine range; Irish buyers can opt for a 2.5-litre V6 petrol version or, well, look elsewhere.
No diesel is offered and there is no hybrid version of the IS range, something lacking in the Lexus portfolio. With an emissions rating of 219g/km and official fuel consumption figures of 9.3l/100km (30.4mpg), it carries an annual motor tax rate of €1,050 and, with rising fuel prices proposed by the Commission on Taxation, it’s not exactly a future motoring role model.
The IS 250C is a niche model in an already niche market. It’s well priced, but its tendency to put comfort over performance – coupled with a lack of engine options – will likely see it play second fiddle to European counterparts. Smart styling and a smart folding roof won’t change its fortunes.
Factfile Lexus IS250C
Engine: 2,499cc V6 dual VVT-i 24-valve petrol engine putting out 208bhp @ 4,800rpm and 252Nm of torque @ 4,800rpm; six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift as standard
Specification: ABS, brake assist, vehicle stability control, Bluetooth phone connection, dual front side and curtain airbags, dual front knee airbags, 18" alloys, LED tail lights, parking sensors (front and rear), leather steering wheel and upholstery, electric heated front seats, steering wheel controls for audio, cruise control; dual control air conditioning; optional extras include: metallic paint (€1,005), premium Pack (€4,800) that includes bi-xenon headlights, wood inlays, perforated leather seats and rain-sensing wipers, multimedia and navigation pack (€6,035), pre-crash safety system and adaptive cruise control (€4,795)]
L/100km (mpg): urban – 13.1 (21.6); extra-urban – 7.1 (39.8); combined – 9.3 (30.4)
CO2 emissions:219g/km
Tax: VRT – 32 per cent; annual motor tax – €1,050
Price: €61,400